Germany could be about to enter a new phase in its political history: Chancellor Friedrich Merz has backed Ilse Aigner as the candidate for Germany’s next federal president. If elected she would become the first woman since the Federal Republic was founded in 1949 to hold Germany’s highest state office.
Aigner, 61, is President of the Bavarian State Parliament and a member of Christian Social Union (CSU), the conservative party which works closely with Merz’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU).
Her candidacy has been welcomed by CDU, CSU and SPD as well as Green Party. The election will take place on January 30, 2027 when the Federal Convention elects Steinmeier’s successor (Federal Convention).
The nomination has reignited debates about women’s place in German politics and the country’s readiness for a woman to occupy the largely ceremonial but constitutionally important presidency.
Who Is Ilse Aigner?
Ilse Aigner is a senior German politician from Bavaria who has held several important positions in regional and national government.
Aigner was born on 7 December 1964 in Feldkirchen-Westerham, Bavaria. She first trained as a telecommunications technician but before entering politics worked in technology and engineering (including helicopter manufacturer Eurocopter).
She entered the Bavarian State Parliament in 1994 and then became a member of German Bundestag in 1998.
Some of the important positions she has held include:
- Federal Minister of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection: 2008–13 under Chancellor Angela Merkel.
- Bavarian State Minister: Economic affairs, media, energy and other state administration areas.
- President of the Bavarian State Parliament: Elected to the position in 2018 and continues to serve as president.
Her experience in federal and state politics has made her a figurehead within the CSU.
Friedrich Merz Supports Aigner's Presidential Bid
After discussions in the CDU leadership, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz officially supported Aigner’s candidacy.
The announcement followed months of political debate about who should succeed Frank-Walter Steinmeier (whose second term ends in March 2027).
Merz called Aigner a candidate who could represent democratic values and bring people together. Her experience in public office and her position in Bavarian politics were also cited during the announcement.
The idea had been put forward in April 2026 by Bavarian Minister-President and CSU leader Markus Söder who publicly supported Aigner as a possible candidate.
The CDU’s eventual support pushed the proposal closer to being a joint choice of the governing parties.
Why is Aigner’s candidacy historically significant?
Germany has never had a woman president of the federal state since the Federal Republic was created in 1949.
All 12 people who have held the presidency so far have been men. Women have been nominated for the position before but none has won it.
Aigner’s candidacy is therefore important because it puts a woman forward with the backing of major political parties represented in Federal Convention.
If elected she would also be the first politician from the Christian Social Union to hold the federal presidency.
The development has focused attention on women’s participation in political leadership and the presence of women in Germany’s highest constitutional offices.
What Powers Does the German President Have?
Germany’s federal president is head of state (unlike the chancellor). But he is not the same as the chancellor.
The chancellor leads the federal government and directs government policy. The president performs constitutional, representative and diplomatic functions.
The German president's responsibilities include:
- Representing Germany at official national and international events.
- Signing federal laws after reviewing their constitutional requirements.
- Formally appointing the federal chancellor and federal ministers in accordance with constitutional procedures.
- Appointing and dismissing federal officials in accordance with law.
- Delivering speeches on important national and international issues.
- Delivering speeches on important national and international issues.
- Giving speeches on important national and international issues.
- Delivering speeches on important national and international issues.
- Representing the country on state visits and diplomatic engagements.
While the presidency is mostly ceremonial, it has constitutional duties and symbolic importance.
The office also gives the president an opportunity to address national problems and promote democratic values and social cohesion.
When Will Germany Elect Its Next President?
The next German presidential election will be held on January 30, 2027.
The president is not elected directly by citizens in a nationwide public vote. The decision is made by the Federal Convention, a special constitutional assembly.
The Federal Convention consists of:
- All members of the German Bundestag.
- An equal number of delegates are elected by the state parliaments.
This means that the assembly has people from federal politics and state politics.
Who will succeed Frank-Walter Steinmeier in this election will be decided. He cannot run for a third term after two five year terms.
The CDU, CSU and SPD support Aigner’s candidacy as does the Greens. But it is up to the Federal Convention to decide who should be president.
What do the German political parties say about Aigner’s candidacy?
Aigner’s nomination has been supported by people outside her own political alliance.
The SPD has praised her ability to bring people together regardless of political views. Green party representatives have said she is a suitable candidate for the office.
However not all political groups have supported the nomination.
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) has said it will nominate its own candidate. Its co-leader Alice Weidel asked whether Aigner could remain above party politics.
The different reactions reflect the political debate around who should be Germany’s next head of state.
Is Germany Ready for Its First Woman President?
Aigner’s candidacy has triggered a wider debate about gender representation in German politics.
Women have occupied several high positions in the country (chancellorship under Angela Merkel) but the federal presidency has been male since 1949.
Supporters of Aigner’s nomination have cited her political experience and ability to work across different political groups. Her candidacy is also an opportunity for women to increase their representation in Germany’s highest state institutions.
However, the question of whether Germany is ready for a woman president isn’t just about one candidate. It also reflects broader discussions about political representation, leadership opportunities and gender equality.
If Aigner is elected, then the country would have its first ever female president. The outcome of the Federal Convention’s vote on January 30, 2027 will decide if that becomes reality.
Conclusion
Aigner’s candidacy has put Germany on the brink of a historic change in leadership.
With Chancellor Friedrich Merz supporting her nomination and support emerging from several major parties Aigner has become a key figure in the race to succeed Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
Her political experience as federal agriculture minister and President of the Bavarian State Parliament are an important part of her candidacy.
Germany’s next federal president will be elected by the Federal Convention on 30 January 2027. If Aigner wins then she will be the country’s first woman federal president and CSU politician to hold office.
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